Bette sighed. It killed her to hear the pain in Tina’s voice. «Just say the word and I’ll be right there», she replied softly.

«I don’t think it’s a good idea. My father is already very upset and… he didn’t take it very well when I told him you had come with me. I have to go now… I’ll call you later»

«OK, I love you baby…»

«I love you too… Bye»

Tina bought some sandwiches and coffee for both her and her dad. When she went back to the room, her father was sitting next to her mother’s bed, stroking her hand very tenderly. «She has to make it Tina… I don’t know what I would do without her…». He started crying again. It was the first time in her life that Tina saw her father crying and it upset her. She put her arms around him and held him.

«She’s a strong woman, she’ll get through this…», she whispered, telling those encouraging words as much for her as for her father. «Do you remember when you were eight and you broke your arm Tina ? Your mom was so worried about you that she forbade you to play with your friends the entire time you were in a cast. You were so mad at her that you threaten to break your other arm!», Tina’s dad said with a chuckle.

Tina smiled. «I remember… I even tried to cut my cast one day, but you caught me with your saw before I had time to try anything… I was so glad you hadn’t told mom about that. I think she would have grounded me for life»

At that moment, the doctor came into the room. Tina’s dad introduced her and he asked the doctor about his wife’s condition.

«Well, she’s stable right now, but the first 24 hours are critical. We’re keeping a close eye on her and I’ll be able to tell you more tomorrow morning. In the meantime, why don’t you get some rest», the doctor advised Mr Kennard.

«I don’t want to leave her…»

«Maybe you can just get some fresh air, dad», Tina told him.

Her father stood up and walked toward the door. «I guess a bit of fresh air will do me good. I won’t be long». As he opened the door, Tina caught a glimpse of Bette standing outside. As soon as the doctor left, Tina rushed out of the room to meet with Bette. She looked around and when she made sure her dad was nowhere around, she took shelter in Bette’s loving arms.

«I’m so glad you’re here baby», Tina told her, resting her head on her shoulder. Bette stroked her back very gently. «I couldn’t stay away knowing the pain you were in T. I saw you dad leave. Is he going home ?»

«No, he just went to get some fresh air. The doctor told us we would know more about mom’s condition tomorrow morning»

Bette guided Tina to a chair and sat down next to her. She took her hands in hers. «Is there anything I can do for you baby?»

«No, just being here is plenty… I don’t know if I’ll be able to get back to the hotel with you. I want to make sure my dad gets some rest»

Bette stroked her hair. «Don’t worry about that… Concentrate on your family sweetie»

Tina was about to answer when she noticed the expression on Bette’s face who was looking over her shoulder. She turned around and saw her father standing in the hall. Without a word, he walked right back into her mother’s room, an angry look on his face.

«Oh no…»

Tina stood up and rushed into the room. «Daddy?»

«How could you Tina! How could you bring that woman here… I want her out», he told her, his cold eyes riveted on his daughter.

«I need her dad… I don’t want to go through this alone…»

«You’re not alone. You have me», he said in an angry voice.

«Dad, why can’t you understand that I love her and that she loves me ?»

«I don’t want to hear about this young lady!». Tina’s father sat next to his wife and turned his back on her.

Tina went back in the hall to see Bette but when she got there, she was nowhere to be found…